5 Effective Ways to Manage Stress and Anxiety in Your Daily Life

1. Practice Mindfulness Meditation

​​Mindfulness meditation is a powerful technique to cultivate present-moment awareness and reduce stress. Set aside a few minutes each day to focus on your breath and observe your thoughts without judgment. This practice can help you stay grounded and centered amidst life's challenges.
Truth be told, I don't meditate every day because life gets in the way.  However, my sweet boyfriend bought me the Calm app.  Because I used it quite a bit, he bought me lifetime access when there was a Black Friday sale.  I try to use it as much as I can, but I also don't put too much pressure on it.

I heard there is a free equivalent version called Insight Timer.

Susanna Marsiglia https://unsplash.com/@sushimi https://unsplash.com/photos/9bPXsEgrdcg

2. ​Engage in Regular Physical Exercise

Exercise is not only beneficial for your physical health but also for your mental well-being. Engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking, jogging, or yoga, releases endorphins, the body's natural stress-relievers, and can help alleviate anxiety.
It took me a long time to figure out what exercises worked and didn't work for me.  Recently, I started doing reformer-based pilates and I love it!

Helen Thomas https://unsplash.com/@hlthomas https://unsplash.com/photos/LKtTbJM4do8

​3. Maintain a Balanced Diet

​What you eat can also impact your stress levels. Incorporate a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Reduce your intake of caffeine and sugary foods, as they can contribute to feelings of anxiety.
I was born a picky eater, so it's very hard for me to achieve a balanced diet, too.  I try to incorporate some veggies into my smoothies when I know my body tells me there aren't enough "good" nutrients.

Brigitte Tohm https://unsplash.com/@brigittetohm https://unsplash.com/photos/iIupxcq-yH4

4. Establish a Consistent Sleep Routine

Adequate sleep is vital for managing stress and anxiety. Create a sleep routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Limit screen time before bedtime to improve the quality of your sleep.
As I get older, I realize a good, well-rested night of sleep is more precious than gold.My sleep routine involves the following:

• Optimal temperature in my bedroom
• A diffuser with lavender and peppermint essential oils
• Blackout blinds
• White noise (I alternate between white noise, brown noise, and heavy rain sounds on my Calm App)

Aleksandar Cvetanovic https://unsplash.com/@lemonzandtea https://unsplash.com/photos/A7nK49HCqSI

5. ​Practice Deep Breathing Exercises

When you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to practice deep breathing. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Deep breathing can calm your nervous system and reduce stress.
I like this one - Sudarshan Kriya. It's completely free on YouTube.
I stumbled on this ancient breathwork when I read the best-selling book Breath, written by James Nester.  It's hard at the beginning but it gets easier.

If you have read the whole thing, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Why stop here? Go leave me a comment, please.

Out of the 5 ways to destress, which one is your go to? which one is the hardest to do?